The Tribune

BAHAMAS Against Crime is hoping all Bahamians who want to see an end to the scourge of violent crime will join them in a mass rally in Rawson Square on Sunday, June 9.

The need for such a public display of solidarity and determination is clear – despite official claims that crime is decreasing, the community activist group said.

“It is very obvious that the crime crisis in the Bahamas, particularly in New Providence, is intensifying in its brutality and expanding in its scope,” said BAC in a statement.

“Families are being terrorised in the sanctity of their homes and groups of persons are being indiscriminately shot into, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

“The landscape of the Bahamas is drenched in the blood of Bahamians. In addition the very life blood of our economy, tourism, is being attached as visitors are increasingly becoming victims of crime, even on the hotel properties.”

The anti-crime rally is set to start at 4pm. Marches will leave the Eastern Parade, Windsor Park and Fort Charlotte at 2.30pm and converge outside the Houses of Parliament.

Prime Minister Perry Christie and other national leaders have been invited to participate and bring remarks.

“This appears to be a new phase by criminals and it must be met with greater determination by the society, said BAC executive director Rev CB Moss.

“The first major step in combating this scourge is for residents, in large numbers, to stand together thus sending strong and powerful messages.

“The first message would be to the government that residents expect and demand a greater level of security and that whatever needs to 
be done, should be done NOW.

“The second message should be to the criminal element that residents will not stand by idly while they wreak havoc upon the society.

“The third message should be to the world that the vast majority of Bahamians stand in strong opposition to the high level of criminal activity and that they are willing to fight to significantly reduce it.

“The many murders and a great many other serious crimes over the last few days makes it very clear that the nation cannot continue on this path much longer without encountering monumental problems,” said Rev Moss.

These problems will require decades to overcome, he said – as can be seen in the experience of neighbouring countries.

“The Bahamas is at the crossroads.

“The response of the nation now will determine the state of the nation in the future,” Rev Moss said.